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{{#badges:SPN|AEX}}'''The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity''', publisher of the site "Watchdog.org," is a national 501(c)(3) journalism organization based in Bismarck, North Dakota and started in 2009.<ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://www.franklincenterhq.org/about/ About], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> According to a previous iteration of the organization's website, the group's mission involves "networking and training independent investigative reporters, as well as journalists from state based news organizations, public-policy institutions & watchdog groups."<ref>Franklin Center For Government & Public Integrity, [http://www.franklincenterhq.org/about/mission/ Mission], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> The Franklin Center funded state reporters in more than 40 states as of August 2011,<ref>The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://www.franklincenterhq.org/2376/think-tank-journalism-the-future-of-investigative-reporting/ Think tank Journalism: The Future of Investigative Journalism], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011, since modified by the organization.</ref> and in 34 states as of May 2013.<ref name="2013_list">Franklin Center, [http://www.sourcewatch.org/images/e/e5/Franklin_Center_May_2013.pdf Watchdog.org], organizational document, May 2013, obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy June 2013.</ref> Despite their non-partisan description, many of these websites have received criticism for their conservative bias.<ref>Rebekah Metzler, [http://www.pressherald.com/news/watchdog-website-puts-a-new-spin-on-politics_2010-10-02.html 'Watchdog' website puts a new spin on politics'], ''The Portland Press Herald'', accessed August 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Allison Kilkenny, [http://www.truth-out.org/koch-spider-web/1312231636 The Koch Spider Web], ''Truthout'', accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> __TOC__==Accusations of Inaccuracy & 'Manufactured News'== In August 2010, the [[West Virginia Watchdog]] blog quoted an unnamed source claiming that Democratic Governor Joe Manchin's office had been subpoenaed as part of a federal grand jury investigation. The story said that the subpoenas asked for contracts and records for businesses that have done work at the governor’s mansion. "The target may be Manchin himself, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous," the original story said. The governor’s office responded saying that “Neither subpoena was directed to Governor Manchin or the Governor’s Office.... No individual in the Governor’s Office was served with a subpoena…. The State has not been informed that Governor Manchin or any other state employee is under investigation.” The West Virginia Watchdog updated its site with these statements then reported that their "source was ultimately wrong about the purpose of the subpoenas."<ref>[http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/1969/gov-joe-manchins-dept-of-administration-division-of-highways-subpoenaed-in-federal-probe/ Gov. Joe Manchin’s Dept. of Administration, Division of Highways Subpoenaed in Federal Probe], ''West Virginia Watchdog'', August 7, 2010.</ref> In February, the Wisconsin Reporter sponsored a questionable poll asserting that 71% of Wisconsin residents thought the state's Governor Scott Walker's budget proposal to cut the collective bargaining rights of most of the state's public sector workers was "fair." Several local and national news outlets cited the poll without investigation, including MSNBC. The result seemed completely out of whack with other polling leading some to question the source. The same month, We Ask America, largely owned by the Illinois Manufacturing Association, a leading business organization in the region, polled 2,400 Wisconsin residents and found that 52 percent opposed Walker's bill. The Franklin Center's poll was conducted by Pulse Opinion Research. <ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=6d195a77b46a877ab2b3a62b1&id=aae9b36e46&e= Poll Shows 71% of Wisconsinites Think Walker’s Budget Changes are “Fair]," organizational press release, February 24, 2011.</ref> In 2009, the ''New Mexico Watchdog'' reported that based on data from Recovery.gov millions of dollars were spent in non-existent congressional districts in the state. The story picked up steam among reporters, even turned into a Colbert Report segment called "Know your Made-up District." The Franklin Center released a national report that said $6.4 billion in stimulus money had been spent in hundreds of “phantom” congressional districts. There was truth to the New Mexico Watchdog report, but it turned out, as reported by the Associated Press, that the culprit was an error-ridden government database. The funds were actually distributed to the right recipients but errors such as zip codes entered incorrectly accounted for the "phantom districts" rather than, as the report suggested, had been unaccounted for or misused. Even with this new information on the shortfalls of the Recovery.gov site, the Franklin Center failed to set the record straight. In its 2010 Annual report, the center boasted it found that the "stimulus sent funds in the form of grants, loans and government contracts to support more than 200 projects in imaginary ZIP codes covering 38 states." It did not mention the errors in the database, but let the record stand as a story of government waste. <ref>Bill McMorris, [http://watchdog.org/1530/6-4-billion-stimulus-goes-to-phantom-districts/ $6.4 Billion Stimulus Goes to Phantom Districts], ''New Mexico Watchdog'', November 17, 2009.</ref><ref>Matt Apuzzo, [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705345576/Stimulus-accuracy-comes-under-fire.html Stimulus accuracy comes under fire], ''Associated Press'', November 19, 2009.</ref> ==Criticism from Media Watchdog Organizations== The journalistic integrity of these sites has been called into question by media watchdog groups. Laura McGann, assistant editor at the Nieman Journalism Lab at Harvard University, wrote that the Franklin Center is backing news organizations who engage in distorted reporting across the country. "As often as not, their reporting is thin and missing important context, which occasionally leads to gross distortions," wrote McGann, who pointed to several instances where the Watchdog websites wrote stories that turned out to be misleading or untrue.<ref>Rebekah Metzler, [http://www.pressherald.com/news/watchdog-website-puts-a-new-spin-on-politics_2010-10-02.html 'Watchdog' website puts a new spin on politics'], ''Portland Press Herald'', October 2, 2010.</ref> The Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism on a sliding scale of highly ideological, somewhat ideological and non-ideological, ranked the “Watchdog.org” franchise "highly ideological."<ref>Pew Center Project for Excellence in Journalism, [http://features.journalism.org/non-profit-news/#undefined Watchdog.org], ''Assessing a New Landscape in Journalism'', organizational report, July 18, 2011.</ref> ==Staff Ties to Conservative & GOP Organizations== The center was launched by the Chicago-based [[Sam Adams Alliance]] (SAM) in 2009,<ref>Sam Adams Alliance, [http://www.samadamsalliance.org/media/5148/sam_adams_alliance_media_kit.pdf Sam Adams Alliance Media Kit], organizational PDF, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism, [http://features.journalism.org/non-profit-news/watchdogs/ Watchdog,org], organizational media report, accessed June 2013.</ref> a 501(c)(3) devoted to pushing free-market ideals. The Franklin Center also receives funding from the Wisconsin-based [[Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation]],<ref>Daniel Bice, [http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/127259723.html Franklin Center boss wants apology from Democratic staffer], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> a conservative grant-making organization.<ref>Bradley Foundation, [http://www.bradleyfdn.org/ The Bradley Foundation], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> The Franklin Center’s president, [[Jason Stverak]], is the former Regional Field Director for SAM, served as North Dakota Executive Director for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee and former Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party.<ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://www.franklincenterhq.org/about/staff/ Staff], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref>The Franklin Center’s president, [[Jason Stverak]], is the former Regional Field Director for SAM, served as North Dakota Executive Director for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee and former Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party.<ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://www.franklincenterhq.org/about/staff/ Staff], organizational website, accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> The Center's Director of Donor Relations [[Matt Hauck]] is a former Associate at the [[Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation]]. <ref>Matt Hauck, [http://www.linkedin.com/pub/matt-hauck/1/545/b11 Matt Hauck], ''LinkedIn'' profile, accessed October 5, 2011.</ref> The Center's Chief of Staff Gwen Beattie is the former Director of Development and Operations at [[America's Future Foundation]], an organization committed to "identify and develop the next generation of conservative and libertarian leaders."<ref>Gwen Beattie, [http://www.linkedin.com/pub/gwen-beattie/6/659/608 Gwen Beattie], '' LinkedIn'' profile, accessed October 5, 2011.</ref> The Center's 2009 IRS 990 form lists Rudie Martinson as director and secretary, who formerly worked as the assistant state director for North Dakota's chapter of Koch's [[Americans for Prosperity]].<ref>Americans for Prosperity, [http://americansforprosperity.org/americans-prosperity-foundation-announces-free-market-essay-contest-north-dakota-high-school-student AFP Announces Free Market Essay Contest], organizational blog, accessed October 5, 2011.</ref> ==Support for the American Legislative Exchange Council== The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity was a "Vice-Chairman" level sponsor of 2011 [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] (ALEC) Annual Conference, which in 2010, equated to $25,000. The Franklin Center was one of about 60 companies and institutions represented in the conference exhibition hall.<ref>American Legislative Exchange Council, 2011 Conference Sponsors, conference brochure on file with CMD, August 11, 2011.</ref> Franklin Center board member<ref>Franklin Center, [http://franklincenterhq.org/invest/board-of-directors/ Board of Directors], organizational website, accessed July 2013.</ref> and North Dakota Republican Representative [[Blair Thoreson]] chairs ALEC's [[Communications and Technology Task Force]]<ref>American Legislative Exchange Council, [http://www.alec.org/task-forces/telecommunications-and-information-technology/ Communications and Technology Task Force], organizational website, accessed July 2013.</ref> and penned an op-ed supporting ALEC in the face of criticism over its role in pushing "[http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/ALEC_Castle_Doctrine Stand Your Ground]" and "[http://alecexposed.org/w/images/d/d9/7G16-VOTER_ID_ACT_Exposed.pdf Voter ID]" legislation in April 2012.<ref>Blair Thoreson, [http://franklincenterhq.org/5152/commentary-progressive-war-on-alec/ Commentary: Progressive War on ALEC], franklincenterhq.org organizational website article, April 18, 2012.</ref> Thoreson was not the only Franklin Center personnel member to publicly defend ALEC. As ''Media Matters'' reported, Franklin President [[Jason Stverak]] and Vice President of Journalism Steven Greenhut joined in as well.<ref>Matt Gertz, [http://mediamatters.org/blog/2012/07/12/flashback-franklin-centers-full-throated-defens/187096 FLASHBACK: Franklin Center's Full-Throated Defense Of ALEC], ''Media Matters'', July 12, 2012.</ref><ref>Jason Stverak, [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/04/27/ALEC-and-Misleading-Journalism-A-Case-Study ALEC AND MISLEADING JOURNALISM: A CASE STUDY], ''Breitbart.com'', April 26, 2012.</ref><ref>Steven Greenhut, [http://franklincenterhq.org/5192/attacks-on-alec-hypocritical-and-unfair/ COMMENTARY: Attacks on ALEC hypocritical and unfair], franklincenterhq.org organizational website article, April 19, 2012.</ref> All three commentaries were posted in the days immediately after an ALEC staffer begged for help from Breitbart bloggers and the rest of the right-wing blogosphere at a [[Heritage Foundation]] "Bloggers Briefing" April 17, 2012.<ref>Rebekah Wilce, [http://www.prwatch.org/news/2012/04/11458/alec-sends-out-sos-breitbart-bloggers ALEC Sends Out an SOS to Breitbart Bloggers], ''PRWatch.org'', April 18, 2012.</ref> {{about_ALEC}} ==Funding: Funders and Recipients== Known funders of the Franklin Foundation include: *[[Searle Freedom Trust]]:**2010: $125,000**2011: $87,500 *[[Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation]]:**2010: $190,500**2011: $50,000 *[[Dunns Foundation for the Advancement of Right Thinking]]:**2011: $50,000 *[[DonorsTrust]]:**2011: $6.3 million<ref>Joe Strupp,[http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/02/22/franklin-center-top-donor-is-right-wings-dark-m/192770 Franklin Center Top Donor Is Right-Wing's "Dark Money" ATM], ''Media Matters'', Feb. 22, 2013.</ref> ===Majority of Funding Comes from "the Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement," Donors Trust=== Franklin Center Director of Communications Michael Moroney told the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) that the source of the Franklin Center's funding "is 100 percent anonymous." But 95 percent of its 2011 funding came from [[DonorsTrust]], a spin-off of the [[Philanthropy Roundtable]] that functions as a large "donor-advised fund," cloaking the identity of donors to right-wing causes across the country (CPI did a review of Franklin's Internal Revenue Service records).<ref name="Abowd">Paul Abowd, Center for Public Integrity, [http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/02/14/12181/donors-use-charity-push-free-market-policies-states Donors use charity to push free-market policies in states], organizational report, February 14, 2013.</ref> ''Mother Jones'' called DonorsTrust "the dark-money ATM of the conservative movement" in a February 2013 article.<ref>Andy Kroll, [http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/02/donors-trust-donor-capital-fund-dark-money-koch-bradley-devos Exposed: The Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement], ''Mother Jones'', February 5, 2013.</ref> Franklin received DonorsTrust's second-largest donation in 2011.<ref name="Abowd"/> ===Recipients of Franklin Center Funding=== In 2011, the Franklin Center funded the following groups:<ref name="2011_990"/> * [[Cause of Action]] and Freedom Through Justice Foundation (Cause of Action's former name): '''$994,000'''* [[Citizen Outreach Foundation]]: $25,000* [[Small Business Hawaii Foundation]] (an [[SPN Members|State Policy Network (SPN) associate member]]): $5,500* [[Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity]] (an SPN member): $7,500* [[Foundation for Ethics in Public Service]]: $7,500* [[Nevada News Bureau]]: $77,500* [[Cowboy State Free Press]]: $6,000 In 2010, the Franklin Center funded:<ref name="2010_990"/> * [[Maryland Reporter]]: $25,000* [[American Majority]]: $25,000* [[Pelican Institute]] (an SPN member): $36,000* [[Tennessee Center for Policy Research]] (an SPN member): $25,000* [[Cowboy State Free Press]]: $76,600* [[Foundation for Ethics in Public Service]]: $85,000* [[Nevada News Bureau]]: $17,000 In 2009, the Franklin Center funded:<ref name="2009_990"/> * [[Lucy Burns Institute]] (publisher of Ballotpedia.org): $43,413* [REDIRECT [Small Business Hawaii Foundation]]: $45,000* [[Maryland Reporter]]: $7,500 ==Franklin Center-Funded and Affiliated Sites== ==="Watchdog Bureaus"=== As of May 2013:<ref name="2013_list"/> *[[Colorado Watchdog]], Colorado, coloradowatchdog.org*[[Florida Watchdog]], Florida, floridawatchdog.org*[[Hawaii Reporter]], Hawaii, hawaiireporter.com*[[Illinois Watchdog]], Illinois, illinoiswatchdog.org*[[Iowa Watchdog]], Iowa, iowawatchdog.org*[[Kansas Watchdog]], Kansas, kansaswatchdog.org*[[Minnesota Watchdog]], Minnesota, minnesotawatchdog.org*[[Missouri Watchdog]], Missouri, missouriwatchdog.org*[[Montana Watchdog]], Montana, montanawatchdog.org*[[Nebraska Watchdog]], Nebraska, nebraskawatchdog.org*[[New Jersey Watchdog]], New Jersey, newjerseywatchdog.org*[[Rio Grande Foundation|New Mexico Watchdog]], New Mexico, newmexicowatchdog.org*[[Ohio Watchdog]], Ohio, ohiowatchdog.org*[[Oklahoma Watchdog]], Oklahoma, oklahomawatchdog.org*[[Northwest Watchdog]], Oregon, northwestwatchdog.org*[[Pennsylvania Independent]], Pennsylvania, [http://www.paindependent.com paindependent.com]*[[Tennessee Watchdog]], Tennessee, tennesseewatchdog.org*[[Texas Watchdog]], Texas, http://watchdog.org/category/texas/*[[Watchdog.org Virginia]], Virginia, watchdog.org/category/virginia*[[Wisconsin Reporter]], Wisconsin, wisconsinreporter.com ==="Watchdog Partners"=== As of May 2013:<ref name="2013_list"/> *[[Goldwater Institute]], Arizona, [http://goldwaterinstitute.org/ goldwaterinstitute.org]*[[Advance Arkansas Institute]], Arkansas, [http://www.thearkansasproject.com thearkansasproject.com]*[[Pacific Research Institute]], California, [http://www.calwatchdog.com calwatchdog.com]*[[Independence Institute]], Colorado, [http://investigates.i2i.org investigates.i2i.org]*[[Yankee Institute for Public Policy]], Connecticut, [http://www.raisinghale.com raisinghale.com]*[[James Madison Institute]], Florida, [http://www.capitolvanguard.org capitolvanguard.org]*[[Idaho Freedom Foundation]], Idaho, [http://www.idahoreporter.com idahoreporter.com]*[[Illinois Policy Institute]], Illinois, [http://www.reederreport.com reederreport.com]*[[Maine Heritage Policy Center]], Maine, [http://www.themainewire.com themainewire.com]*[[Maryland Reporter]], Maryland, [http://www.marylandreporter.com marylandreporter.com]*[[Missouri News Horizon]], Missouri, [http://www.missouri-news.org missouri-news.org]*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]], Michigan, [http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com michigancapitolconfidential.com]*[[John Locke Foundation]], North Carolina, [http://www.carolinajournal.com carolinajournal.com]*[[John W. Pope Civitas Foundation]], North Carolina, [http://www.nccivitas.org nccivitas.org]*[[Say Anything Blog]], North Dakota, [http://www.sayanythingblog.com sayanythingblog.com]*[[Capital Beat OK]], Oklahoma, [http://www.capitolbeatok.com capitolbeatok.com]*[[Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity]], Rhode Island, [http://www.oceanstatecurrent.com oceanstatecurrent.com]*[[South Carolina Policy Council]], South Carolina, [http://www.thenerve.org thenerve.org]*[[TN Report]], Tennessee, [http://www.tnreport.com tnreport.com]*[[Freedom Foundation]], Washington, [http://www.theolympiareport.com theolympiareport.com]*[[Public Policy Foundation of West Virginia]], West Virginia, [http://westvirginia.watchdog.org westvirginia.watchdog.org] ===Former Statehouse "News Bureaus"=== As of March 2012:<ref>[http://www.sourcewatch.org/images/e/e4/Franklin_Center_Statehouse_News_Bureaus.jpg Statehouse News Bureaus], ''SourceWatch.org'', accessed March 23, 2012.</ref> *[[Pacific Research Institute]], California, [http://www.calwatchdog.com calwatchdog.com]*[[Independence Institute]], Colarado, [http://www.coloradonewsagency.com comoradonewsagency.com]*[[Idaho Freedom Foundation]], Idaho, [http://www.idahoreporter.com idahoreporter.com]*[[Pelican Institute]], Louisiana, [http://www.thepelicanpost.org thepelicanpost.org]*[[Maryland Reporter]], Maryland, [http:///www.marylandreporter.com marylandreporter.com]*[[Michigan Center for Public Policy]], Michigan, [http:///www.michigancapitolconfidential.com michigancapitolconfidential.com]*[[Freedom Foundation of Minnesota]], Minnesota, [http://www.mnstatenews.com mnstatenews.com]*[[Missouri News Horizon]], Missouri, [http://missouri-news.org/ minewshorizon.org]*[[Montana Policy Institute]], Montana, [http://montana.watchdog.org/ Montana.watchdog.org]*[[Nevada News Bureau]], Nevada, [http://www.nevadanewsbureau.com/ nevadanewsbeaurea.com]*[[Rio Grande Foundation]], New Mexico, [http:///www.capitolreportnewmexico.com capitolreportnewmexico.com]*[[John Locke Foundation]], North Carolina, [http://www.caroliajournal.com carolinajournal.com]*[[John William Pope Civitas Institute]], North Carolina, [http://www.nccivitas.org nccivitas.org]*[[Say Anything Blog]], North Dakota, [http://sayanythingblog.com/ SayAnythingBlog.com]*[[Capitol Beat OK]], Oklahoma, [http://www.capitolbeatok.com capitolbeatok.com]*[[Cascade Policy Institute]], Oregon, [http://www.oregoncapitolnews.com oregoncapitolnews.com]*[[South Carolina Policy Council]], South Carolina, [http://thenerve.org thenerve.org]*[[Cowboy State Free Press]], Wyoming, [http://www.cowboystatefreepress.net cowboystatefreepress.net] ===Formerly Listed as Hosting "Investigative Reporters"=== As of March 2012:<ref>[http://www.sourcewatch.org/images/e/e4/Franklin_Center_Statehouse_News_Bureaus.jpg Statehouse News Bureaus], ''SourceWatch.org'', accessed March 23, 2012.</ref> *[[Alabama Policy Institute]], Alabama, [http://www.alabamarighttoknow.org alabamarighttoknow.org]*[[Alaska Policy Forum]], Alaska, [http://alaska.watchdog.org/ Alaska.watchdog.org]*[[Georgia Public Policy Foundation]], Georgia, [http://www.forum.georgiapolicy.org forum.georgiapolicy.org]*[[Hawaii Reporter]], Hawaii, [http://www.hawaiireporter.com hawaiireporter.com]*[[Iowa Politics|Iowa Watchdog]], Iowa, [http://iowa.watchdog.org Iowa.Watchdog.org]*[[Kansas Watchdog]], Kansas, [http://kansas.watchdog.org/ Kansas.watchdog.org]*[[Pelican Institute]], Louisiana, [http://www.thepelicanpost.org thepelicanpost.org]*[[Maine Watchdog]], Maine, [http://maine.watchdog.org/ maine.watchdog.org]*[[Maryland Public Policy Institute]], Maryland, [http://www.mdpolicy.com mdpolicy.com]*[[Pioneer Institute]], Massachusetts, [http://www.pioneerinstitute.org pioneerinstitute.org]*[[MacIver Institute]], Wisconsin, [http://www.maciverinstitute.com/ MacIverInstitute.com]*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]], Michigan, [http://www.mackinac.org mackinac.org]*[[Freedom Foundation of Minnesota]], Minnesota, [http://www.freedomfoundationofminnesota.com freedomfoundationofminnesota.com]*[[Missouri Watchdog]], Missouri, [http://missouri.watchdog.org/ Missouri.watchdog.org]*[[Montana Policy Institute]], Montana, [http://montana.watchdog.org Montana.watchdog.org]*[[Nebraska Watchdog]], Nebraska, [http://nebraska.watchdog.org Nebraska.watchdog.org]*[[Nevada Policy Research Institute]], Nevada, [http://www.npri.org npri.org]*[[Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy]], New Hampshire, [http://newhampshire.watchdog.org newhampshire.watchdog.org]*[[New Jersey Watchdog]], New Jersey, [http://newjersey.watchdog.org newjersey.watchdog.org]*[[Rio Grande Foundation]], New Mexico, [http://newmexico.watchdog.org newmexico.watchdog.org]*[[Plains Daily]], North Dakota, [http://www.plainsdaily.com plainsdaily.com]*[[Ohio Watchdog]], Ohio, [http://ohio.watchdog.org ohio.watchdog.org]*[[Oklahoma Watchdog]], Oklahoma, [http://oklahoma.watchdog.org Oklahoma.watchdog.org]*[[Cascade Policy Institute]], Orgeon, [http://www.oregoncapitolnews.com oregoncapitolnews.com]*[[Pennsylvania Independent]], Pennsylvania, [http://www.paindependent.com paindependent.com]*[[Tennessee Center for Policy Research]], Tennessee, [http://tennessee.watchdog.org Tennessee.watchdog.org]*[[Texas Public Policy Foundation]], Texas, [http://www.texasbudgetsource.com texasbudgersource.com]*[[Texas Watchdog]], Texas, [http://texaswatchdog.org texaswatchdog.org]*[[Sutherland Institute]], Utah, [http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org sutherlandinstitute.org]*[[Old Dominion Watchdog]], Virginia, [http://olddominionwatchdog.org olddominionwatchdog.org]*[[MacIver Institute]], Wisconsin, [http://www.maciverinstitute.com maciverinstitute.com]*[[Wisconsin Reporter]], Wisconsin, [http://www.wisconsinreporter.org wisconsinreporter.org]*[[Wyoming Liberty Group]], Wyoming, [http://www.wyomingreporter.org wyomingreporter.org] ==Franklin Center in Wisconsin== One of the Franklin Center's sites, the [[Wisconsin Reporter]], was launched in January, and it's articles have been featured in weekly newspapers across the state. In February, the outlet supported a poll that claimed 71% of Wisconsin residents thought Governor [[Scott Walker]]'s budget proposal to cut the collective bargaining rights of most of the state's public sector workers was 'fair.'<ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. [http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=6d195a77b46a877ab2b3a62b1&id=aae9b36e46&e= BREAKING: Poll Shows 71% of Wiscosnites Think Walker's Budget Changes are "Fair]," organizational press release, February 24, 2011.</ref> The suspiciously high percentage caused some to question the source of the poll.<ref>[http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/group_pushing_the_group_behind_the_conservative_poll_of_walkers_budget_plan_wisconsin_poll_has_gop_ba.php The Conservative Group Behind The Poll of Walker's Budget Plan], ''Talking Points Memo'', accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> But a lot of local and national news outlets cited the poll without investigation, including MSNBC.<ref>Talking Points Memo TV, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMlyFVp3Kxg&feature=player_embedded MSNBC Pushes Right-Wing Wisconsin Poll], ''YouTube'', accessed August 19, 2011.</ref> Data from the poll of 500 likely voters was managed by Pulse Opinion Research, owned by Scott Rasmussen, a trustee of the [[Property and Environment Research Center]], which has ties to the [[Koch Brothers]] and [[Exxon Mobil]].<ref>American Bridge 21st Century Foundation, [http://bridgeproject.com/?organization&id=274486 Recipient: Property and Environment Research Center], ''Bridge Project'' profile, accessed June 2013.</ref> The Rasmussen Poll also released a poll that "showed 48% of American voters supported Walker, while just 38% supported the unions,” said Evan McMorris-Santoro writing for ''TPMuckracking''. “That poll was criticized for asking leading questions that seemed to point respondents toward opposing the unions.”<ref> Evan McMorris-Santoro, [http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/mysterious-conservative-poll-of-walkers-budget-plan-hits-wisconsin.php Mysterious Conservative Poll of Walker’s Budget Plan Hits Wisconsin], ''Talking Points Memo'', February 24, 2011.</ref> ==Finances== '''2011''':<ref name="2011_990">Franklin Center, [https://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/264/066/2011-264066298-08cf2db3-9.pdf 2011 Form 990], organizational annual IRS filing, November 12, 2012.</ref> Total Revenue: $6,614,542Total Expenses: $6,672,066Net Assets: $473,964 '''2010''':<ref name="2010_990">Franklin Center, [https://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2010/264/066/2010-264066298-07c0c161-9.pdf 2010 Form 990], organizational annual IRS filing, October 25, 2011.</ref> Total Revenue: $3,775,771Total Expenses: $3,942,844Net Assets: $531,248 '''2009''':<ref name="2009_990">Franklin Center, [https://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2009/264/066/2009-264066298-068fdb77-9.pdf 2009 Form 990], organizational annual IRS filing, October 20, 2011.</ref> Total Revenue: $2,378,965Total Expenses: $1,689,442Net Assets: $690,913 ==Personnel== ===Board of Directors=== As of September 2013:<ref>Franklin Center, [http://franklincenterhq.org/invest/board-of-directors/ Board of Directors], organizational website, accessed September 2013.</ref> *Jason Stverak, Chairman and President*Rudie Martinson, Director and Secretary*Doug Loen, Director<ref>Guidestar, [http://www.guidestar.org/ReportOrganization.aspx?ein=26-4066298 FRANKLIN CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INTEGRITY: People], non-profit organization profile, accessed February 2013.</ref>*[[Blair Thoreson]], Director (R-ND 44, [[North Dakota ALEC Politicians|American Legislative Exchange Council member]] from North Dakota, current member of [[ALEC Board of Directors]], former [[ALEC State Chairs|ALEC State Chair]], [[ALEC Award Winners|ALEC Award Winner]] 2009) ===Advisory Board=== As of September 2013:<ref>Franklin Center, [http://franklincenterhq.org/invest/advisory-committee/ Advisory Committee], organizational website, accessed September 2013.</ref> * [[Tucker Carlson]], Editor-in-Chief, ''[[The Daily Caller]]''* Jack Fowler, Publisher, ''[[National Review]]''* Ashley Landess, President, [[South Carolina Policy Council]]* [[Joseph Lehman]], President, [[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]]* [[Mark Tapscott]], Executive Editor, ''The [[Washington Examiner]]'' ===Staff=== As of September 2013:<ref name="Staff">Franklin Center, [http://franklincenterhq.org/about/staff/ Staff], organizational website, accessed September 2013.</ref> ====Leadership==== * [[Jason Stverak]], President* John Connors, Director of Special Projects* Will Swaim, Vice President of Journalism* Erik Telford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Outreach<ref name="Staff"/> ====Development and Outreach==== * Alicia Barrett, Manager of Investor Relations* Shana Davidson, Direct Marketing Manager* Matt Hauck, Director of Development* Christina Pajak, Manager of Investor Relations* Megan Ritter, Grants Manager and Development Writer* John Courts, Development Coordinator* Kathy McDonald, Senior Director of External Affairs<ref name="Staff"/> ====Special Projects and Marketing==== * Earl Glynn, Special Projects Coordinator/Research* Jennifer Ridgley, Director of Digital Marketing* Kristen Hawley, Digital Marketing Manager* Scott Kocen, Technology Advisor* Andrew Collins, Digital Media Manager<ref name="Staff"/> ====Communications and Citizen Engagement==== * Mary Ellen Beatty, Director of Citizen Outreach* Chris McCoy, Training Coordinator* Jackie Moreau, Managing Editor, Watchdog Wire* Michael Moroney, Director of Public Affairs* Kevin Palmer, Communications Coordinator* Adam Ulbricht, Media Associate, Watchdog Wire* Rachel Swaffer, Outreach Associate, Citizen Watchdog* Breyana Franklin, Media Relations Associate<ref name="Staff"/> ====Operations==== * Nicole Stverak, Administrative Assistant and Special Events Coordinator* Becky Wessels, Director of Operations* Irene Dana, Operations Assistant<ref name="Staff"/> ====Watchdog.org Staff==== As of September 2013:<ref>Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, [http://watchdog.org/about/staff/ Staff], ''Watchdog.org'', accessed September 20, 2013.</ref> * Will Swaim, Vice President of Journalism* Kelly Carson, Managing Editor* Mark Lisheron, Senior Content Editor* John Trump, Content Editor* Johnny Kampis, Content Editor* Marianela Toledo, [[Florida Watchdog]] – Reporter* Malia Zimmerman, [[Hawaii Reporter]] - Reporter* Ben Yount, [[Illinois Watchdog]] – Bureau Chief* Travis Perry, [[Kansas Watchdog]] – Reporter* Tom Steward, [[Freedom Foundation of Minnesota|Watchdog.org Minnesota]] Bureau – Reporter* Dustin Hurst, National Reporter (also reporter for [[SPN Members|SPN member]] [[Idaho Freedom Foundation]]'s Idaho Reporter)<ref>Idaho Freedom Foundation, [http://www.idahoreporter.com/ Idaho Reporter], organizational publication, accessed September 16, 2013.</ref>* Tori Richards, National Reporter* Earl Glynn, National WatchdogLabs.org, Research* Joe Jordan, [[Nebraska Watchdog]] – Managing Editor* Deena Winter, [[Nebraska Watchdog]] – Reporter* Mark Lagerkvist, [[New Jersey Watchdog]] – Reporter* Rob Nikolewski, [[Rio Grande Foundation|New Mexico Watchdog]] – Reporter* Shelby Sebens, [[Northwest Watchdog]] – Reporter* Jon Cassidy, [[Ohio Watchdog]] – Bureau Chief and Reporter* Patrick McGuigan, [[Oklahoma Watchdog]] & [[Capitol Beat OK]] – Managing Editor and Capitol News Reporter* Eric Boehm, [[Pennsylvania Independent]] – Managing Editor* Melissa Daniels, [[Pennsylvania Independent]] – Reporter* Chris Butler, [[Beacon Center of Tennessee|Tennessee Watchdog]] – Reporter* Kenric Ward, [[Watchdog.org Virginia]] Bureau – Bureau Chief and Reporter* Carten Cordell, [[Watchdog.org Virginia]] Bureau – News Reporter* Kathryn Watson, [[Watchdog.org Virginia]] Bureau – Investigative Reporter* Matt Kittle, [[Wisconsin Reporter]] – Bureau Chief and Reporter* Kirsten Adshead, [[Wisconsin Reporter]] – Projects/Investigations Editor* Ryan Ekvall, [[Wisconsin Reporter]] - Reporter ====Former Staff==== *[[Gwen Beattie]] (Executive Vice President)*Steven Greenhut (Vice President of Journalism)*Raaki Garcia ([[Colorado Watchdog]] Reporter)*Sheena Dooley ([[Iowa Watchdog]] Reporter)*Kevin Mooney (National Reporter)*Mark Lisheron ([[Texas Watchdog]] Reporter)*Lee Ann O’Neil ([[Texas Watchdog]] Reporter & Watchdog.org Content Editor)*Lynette Wilhelm (Operations Assistant)*Frank Keegan (National Watchdog Editor)*Scott Reeder (National Statehouse Editor)*James Skyles (General Counsel and Director of Operations)*Meghan Tisinger (Director of Communications)*Mary Massingale (writing coach and content editor)*Elizabeth Hillgrove (staff writer and special projects)*Jonathan Miltimore (national reporter, fiscal issues)*Bill McMorris (staff writer)*Drew Thomason (Reporter, Illinois Statehouse News)*Stephan Burklin (editor, Maine Watchdog)*Brian R. Hook (editor, Missouri Watchdog)*Joe Jordan (editor, Nebraska Watchdog)*Andrew Griffin (reporter, Oklahoma Watchdog)*Paige Winfield Cunningham (editor, Old Dominion Watchdog)*Amanda Iacone (Bureau Chief, Virginia Statehouse News)*Stephen Groves (reporter, Virginia Statehouse News)*Kevin Lee (Statehouse reporter, Wisconsin Reporter) ==Contact Details== '''Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity'''<br>1229 King Street, 3rd Floor<br>Alexandria, VA 22314<br>Phone: (571) 384-2090<br>Fax: (571) 384-2093<br>Email: Info@FranklinCenterHQ.org OR Media@FranklinCenterHQ.org '''Former Addresses''': DC Office<br>127 S. Peyton Street, Suite 200<br>Alexandria, VA, 22314<br>Office Phone: 571-384-2090 North Dakota Office<br>547 S. 7th St. #176<br>Bismarck, ND 58504<br>Office Phone: 701-214-5612 Email: Meghan Tisinger at Meghan.Tisinger@FranklinCenterHQ.org ==Articles and Resources== ===Related SourceWatch Articles=== *[[American Legislative Exchange Council]]*[[Charles Koch]]*[[David H. Koch]]*[[DonorsTrust]]*[[Donors Capital Fund]]*[[Koch]]*[[Koch Family Foundations]]*[[Property and Environment Research Center]]*[[Rodney Fund]]*[[Sam Adams Alliance]]*[[State Policy Network]] ===External Resources=== *[http://www.franklincenterhq.org/about/for-media/ Franklin Center "For The Media"]*American Bridge 21st Century Foundation, [http://bridgeproject.com/?organization&id=275891 Recipient: Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity], funding profile. ===References===<references/> [[Category:ALEC Non-Profits]][[Category:Think tanks]][[Category:Lobbying]][[Category:Politics (U.S.)]][[Category: ALEC Exposed]]